Good experience Lifestyle

Winter-Ready: 7 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Furnace

Written by Jimmy Rustling

No one wants the furnace to stop working when it’s necessary to keep the home warm. That’s why it’s important to make sure the furnace is in good shape and ready to work. Homeowners will want to do the following steps to test and inspect the furnace to reduce the potential for anything to go wrong. 

Test the System to Ensure it Turns On

Turn on the system and set the thermostat to heat the home a few degrees. The system should turn on within a minute or two. If it doesn’t come on or struggles to turn on, furnace maintenance services may be needed. Let a professional do a more thorough test to get everything up and running. 

Change the Air Filters

Air filters should be changed regularly to improve airflow and indoor air quality. It should be simple to change the filter, but be sure to use the same size to replace the older one. The frequency of changing the filter can depend on the furnace, the home, and other details. 

Clean the System

It is important to clean the furnace to make sure everything can work properly. Homeowners can do some tasks on their own, but if it’s challenging to clean or homeowners don’t feel comfortable doing it on their own, they can hire a professional to make sure it’s done right. 

Test the Igniter Switch

It is important to test the igniter switch to make sure it works properly. On an older system, it may be necessary to relight the pilot light. Check the color and strength of the pilot light to ensure everything is working as expected. On a newer system, there may be an electric intiner. If it doesn’t turn on when pressed, try pressing the reset button. 

Inspect the Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide can be deadly, so it is important to test the carbon monoxide detectors at least annually to make sure they work properly. Be sure to test each one of there is more than one in the home and replace any that do not work. Depending on the type of carbon monoxide detectors and their age, it may be necessary to replace the batteries. 

Inspect the Ductwork

It is a good idea to inspect the ductwork to make sure there aren’t any holes, tears, or other issues. If anything is noticed, it is important to get professional help for repairs right away. Damaged ducts make the system less efficient, so it’s possible energy bills will increase. Fixing them right away helps to prevent this. 

Change the Thermostat Batteries

Don’t forget to check the thermostat, too. If necessary, change the batteries to make sure they are fresh and the furnace will continue working as expected. It may be recommended to take this time to upgrade to a smart thermostat to make it easier to keep an eye on the batteries so they last longer. 

All of these steps are important for prepping the furnace for the winter weather. During the fall, go through all of these steps to check on the furnace and make sure it works as expected. If anything doesn’t look right, doesn’t work properly, or is too hard to do, call in the pros. They can fully inspect and maintain the furnace, reducing the potential for any issues. 

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About the author

Jimmy Rustling

Born at an early age, Jimmy Rustling has found solace and comfort knowing that his humble actions have made this multiverse a better place for every man, woman and child ever known to exist. Dr. Jimmy Rustling has won many awards for excellence in writing including fourteen Peabody awards and a handful of Pulitzer Prizes. When Jimmies are not being Rustled the kind Dr. enjoys being an amazing husband to his beautiful, soulmate; Anastasia, a Russian mail order bride of almost 2 months. Dr. Rustling also spends 12-15 hours each day teaching their adopted 8-year-old Syrian refugee daughter how to read and write.